cancer backup

Macmillan and Cancerbackup merged in 2008. Together we provide free, high quality information for people affected by cancer through our publications, website and phone service. Find out more|.

The Information Standard logo

Find out how we produce our information|

Deep breathing exercises

Before and after manaual lymphatic drainage (MLD)| and simple lymphatic drainage (SLD),| breathing exercises can help to encourage lymphatic drainage.

Use the following simple exercises:

Sit upright in a comfortable chair or lie on your bed with your knees slightly bent. Rest your hands on your ribs.
Take deep breaths to relax.
As you breathe in, direct the air down to your tummy (abdomen), which you will feel rising under your hands.
Breathe out slowly by ‘sighing’ the air out. While breathing out, let your abdomen relax in again.
Do the deep breathing exercises five times.
Have a short rest before getting up to avoid getting dizzy.

Content last reviewed: 1 August 2010

Questions about cancer?

For answers, support or just a chat, call the Macmillan Support Line free (Monday to Friday, 9am-8pm)

Ask Macmillan

If you have any questions about cancer, need support or just want someone to talk to, ask Macmillan.

Contact us

If you have any questions about Macmillan we would love to hear from you| .

You can also follow us| on Facebook, Twitter, Flickr or YouTube.

About this site

Other Macmillan resources

Bookmark this page

what are these?|

Macmillan Cancer Support, registered charity in England and Wales (261017), Scotland (SC039907) and the Isle of Man (604). A company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales company number 2400969. Isle of Man company number 4694F. Registered office: 89 Albert Embankment, London SE1 7UQ.